Page 20 of Mail-Order Millie (A Mail-Order Mystery #1)
Twenty
M illie wasn’t sure how long she cried. All she knew was that her heart was breaking.
Bram was a spy for the president? How could he use her like this? She should go to Washington and give President Harris a piece of her mind!
Millie wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. She should have made Bram stay and explain himself, but he left to meet with Mr. Kameyer’s men. Did that mean Mr. Kameyer was involved with this so-called slavery operation? Is that why Bram was posing as Bill Krantz?
Millie sank onto the bed. “Oh, Bram…” She wasn’t ignorant. Considering the sort of people Father used to surround himself with, she knew things. She’d heard Father talk about the darker side of things, but she never imagined it could stretch its ugly fingers into polite society.
She sniffed back more tears and thought about all he’d said. So, Bram had taken the real Bill Krantz’s place, which included marrying her. Did he even know she was coming? He must have, why else would he have brought up compensating her for all her trouble? Millie looked around the bedroom. Did he say she’d get this house?
Millie stood and hung her dresses in the armoire one by one. She’d do what she’d planned today and talk to Bram again tonight. At least when all was said and done, she wouldn’t be destitute, which is what she’d have become if Bram didn’t use her as part of his cover. Still, it hurt.
“Oh no…” she breathed. “I haven’t fallen in love, have I?” Indeed, why else would all of this hurt so much? It was bad enough she thought he was a gambler like her father, but this was far worse. At least if she thought he was a gambling fool, she’d have the hope that he would change. Actions spoke louder than words, and all she’d have to do was wait and see if Bram gave up gambling. But this was far worse. She was losing everything, including her heart. Oh, sure, she’d still have a roof over her head according to Bram, and money besides. But she wouldn’t have Bram.
Millie buried her face in her hands a moment, expecting another round of tears. But none came, so she let her hands drop. “Very well. There’s no use feeling sorry for myself.” She stood, took a deep breath, then put on her hat and gloves. She had supplies to fetch and she might as well get them sooner than later.
She started for Ruggles & Son, and instead of walking by the office, she cut over one street and continued that way. When she reached the general store, she noticed a large buggy out front and a smaller one near the livery stable. Mr. Ruggles senior was unhitching the horse of the smaller buggy.
Millie went inside where several elderly couples were milling about.
“I say the poor girl needs some sense talked into her,” a short, plump woman barked.
“Irene, she’s had a horrible fright,” a tall, thin woman said. “We’ll take her some treats, maybe a good book, and let her have some time to herself. When she’s ready to talk, she’ll talk.”
Millie skirted around the couples to the counter and set down her list. James Ruggles came through a door leading to the back of the building, saw her and gave her a weak smile. “Mrs. Krantz. What can I do for you this morning?”
She glanced at the couples and back. “I have a list.”
“James,” a petite, white-haired woman said. “Don’t you think Verity needs some time to herself after what happened?”
Millie noted James’ eyes narrowing. “I don’t want her anymore upset than she already is. I hope that Mr. Crafton is found and put behind bars.”
Millie glanced at the different couples, then stared at James. “Mr. Ruggles?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “It’s nothing Mrs. Krantz. There was a little trouble with Miss Hinkle the night of the ball. She, um, left early with a headache.”
“Headache,” the short plump woman said. “Ha! Who knows what that cad had planned for her!”
Millie’s eyes widened. Could this have anything to do with the assignment Bram and his partner have? “Cad?”
The tall, thin woman rolled her eyes. “It’s nothing for you to worry about, child.” She looked Millie over. “Say, you had on a might fine dress at that shindig. Did you have a nice time?”
Millie stared at her a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. “Yes. Thank you. But what happened to Miss Hinkle? I’m afraid I didn’t know she left. My husband and I left early as well.”
“You did?” the short, plump one said. “Some scoundrel didn’t try to run off with you too, did he?”
“Irene, that’s enough,” one of the elderly men said. “We rescued her in time.”
Millie gaped at this point. “What happened?”
James pinched the bridge of his nose. “Miss Hinkle’s father was trying to arrange a marriage for her the night of the ball. Let’s just say one of the candidates was an unsavory fellow who wasn’t interested in marriage.”
Her eyes went wide. “Oh, dear me. Who was this man?”
“Name’s Crafton,” one of the elderly gentlemen said. He had a spry build and from what she gathered, was married to the petite white-haired woman. “Nasty business, but we took care of him.”
She looked over the three elderly gentlemen. Each wore a proud smile. “You… you rescued her?”
“We sure did,” another said. He winked at the tall, thin woman then kissed her on the cheek.
Millie watched her blush and smiled, trying to think of what else to ask. Did Bram know any of this? “Where is this Crafton now?”
“We don’t know,” James said. “But when we find him, I’m going to …” he drew in a deep breath. “Never mind.” He picked up her list. “I’ll get this for you. Give me a few moments.”
“Certainly.” She stepped toward the couples. “I take it this Crafton attempted to… abduct Miss Hinkle?”
They stared at her a moment. “Well, that’s one way of putting it,” the tall, thin woman said. She held out a hand. “Call me Grandma, and this here is my husband Doc.” Grandma nodded at the shorter, plump woman. “That’s Irene and Wilfred Dunnigan, and next to them is Cyrus and Polly Van Cleet. We’ve been visiting folks and taking care of some business in Fiddler’s Gap.”
“I’ve heard of the town,” Millie said and smiled. “Millie… Krantz.” It was hard to say that now. She supposed she’d be Millie Scott again soon enough. Especially if this was a lead for Bram to follow. Maybe Mr. Crafton was the man they were looking for.
“Pleased to meet you Millie,” Polly said. “I must say, you and your husband certainly made a handsome couple at the ball. Your gown was lovely.”
Her throat grew thick. “Thank you.” She looked at the floor. “How is Miss Hinkle?”
Grandma shook her head. “She had a horrible fright. Poor thing is afraid to come out of her room. She’s staying with James and his family for now. Irene, Polly and I are heading that way in a few minutes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?” Millie asked.
“I don’t think so, dear,” Polly said. “But thank you for offering.”
Millie smiled. “Um, this might be an odd question, but… what does this Mr. Crafton look like?”
The couples exchanged the same look of curiosity. “Why do you ask?” Wilfred said.
Millie shrugged. There was nothing more for her to do other than help Bram get his man. “On account I think I know someone who might be able to help.”